What is Dusted Apollo? – Everything You Need to Know – 10 Key Facts – UPSC Questions
Table of Contents
Introduction to Dusted Apollo UPSC
Recently, a rare but beautiful butterfly, named Dusted Apollo has been seen first time ever in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. This type of butterfly has more 11 species existing in himachal but this Dusted Apollo gets mainly seen in Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Afganistan, Pakistan and Tibet. It’s first time noticing in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba put this Dusted Apollo to Headlines.
Knowing about new discoveries of Butterflies and every updates that relates to Wildlife Protection Act 1976, should be studies by those who are preparing for Major Competitive examinations like UPSC, SSC and many more in India. If you are also looking on a comprehensive detail on Dusted Apollo, then in this blog we have provided you that.
So, let’s start-
Read Also | What is Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu? – A New Species of Frog has Found in Urban Bengaluru
Read Also | Discovery of Kangaroo Lizard in Western Ghats of India
Why Dusted Apollo is in News? – Dusted Apollo UPSC
The Dusted Apollo butterfly has recently made headlines due to its unprecedented sighting and photographing in Himachal Pradesh, specifically in Chamba. Forest guards Gajinder Verma and Abinash Thakur captured this rare high-altitude species during a trek to Manimahesh Lake in September 2023.
The species, discovered in 1890, had never been photographed in Himachal Pradesh before. Identified through thorough scientific examinations, the Dusted Apollo closely resembles the Ladakh Banded Apollo but exhibits distinctive features.
This discovery highlights the flourishing diversity of Apollo butterflies in the region, drawing attention to the need for conservation. The fragile existence of these butterflies, coupled with their commercial importance, raises concerns about potential threats from the poaching industry.
The news underscores the urgency for protective measures and community awareness, making it relevant for UPSC aspirants to stay informed about environmental conservation challenges.
Source – The Hindu
What is Dusted Apollo? – Dusted Apollo Scientific Name
What is Dusted Apollo? – About Dusted Apollo – Dusted Apollo UPSC
The Dusted Apollo (Parnassius stenosemus) is a high-altitude butterfly primarily found in the northern regions of India, particularly in Ladakh.
Belonging to the snow Apollo genus (Parnassius) within the swallowtail family (Papilionidae), this species is characterized by its habitat in the elevated terrains of Ladakh. Initially described as a subspecies of P. delphius, it has also been considered conspecific with P. stoliczkanus.
However, it gained recognition as a distinct species, acknowledged by entomologist Felix Bryk in 1935, a classification supported by subsequent authors, including Weiss in 1992. As a member of the Apollo butterflies, the Dusted Apollo contributes to the rich biodiversity of high-altitude landscapes and is recognized for its unique characteristics within the genus Parnassius. The butterfly’s presence in Ladakh adds to the diverse and ecologically significant fauna of the region.
Dusted Apollo Scientific Name
The Dusted Apollo butterfly is scientifically named Parnassius stenosemus. Recently found in Himachal Pradesh, it stands out with unique features. The scientific name, Parnassius stenosemus, helps identify and classify this rare butterfly in the realm of nature.
Description About Dusted Apollo
We have provided a comprehensive description on Dusted Apollo Below-
- Name and Habitat: The Dusted Apollo, a high-altitude butterfly, is found in the Himalayas, particularly in Himachal Pradesh.
- Scientific Identity: Known as Parnassius stenosemus, it pays homage to the naturalist Ferdinand Stoliczka.
- Physical Appearance: Males, medium to large, display a dull white upper side with distinct black bars on their wings.
- Distinct Features: Notably, the hindwings have a broad dusky black dorsal margin.
- Wing Markings: Forewings exhibit dusky black sinuate bands, with a postdiscal band extending down to the dorsal margin.
- Color Variation: Females have a duller, somewhat yellowish upper side, with hindwing markings centered with blue in the subterminal series.
- Underside Characteristics: The butterfly’s underside has a transparent appearance, with markings visible from above, rather than formed by actual scaling.
- Abdomen and Thorax: The abdomen and thorax are black, with tufted hairs on the head in front being fuscous.
- Female Anal Pouch: Resembling that of Parnassius hunza, especially in the fertilized female.
Physical Characteristics of Dusted Apollo
The Dusted Apollo (Parnassius stenosemus) exhibits distinctive physical characteristics:
- Size: Medium to large butterfly size, with wingspans ranging between 5 to 7 centimeters.
- Coloration: Dull white upper side in males, with a somewhat yellowish tint in females.
- Wing Patterns: Forewings adorned with black transverse bars, and hindwings featuring dusky black sinuate bands and a red spot in interspace 5.
- Dorsal Margin: Hindwing dorsal margin broadly dusky black, narrowing towards the tornus.
- Terminal Margin: Forewing and hindwing terminal margins shaded with dusky black.
- Blue Spots: Subterminal series on hindwings may have distinct blue-centered spots.
- Red Spot: Presence of a postdiscal black-encircled red spot in interspace 5 on hindwings.
- Cilia: White cilia on both forewings and hindwings.
- Underside: Transparent appearance with glassy characteristics, showcasing markings more by transparency than actual scaling.
- Abdomen and Thorax: Black coloration, with tufted fuscous hairs on the head in front.
Range of Dusted Apollo
The Dusted Apollo (Parnassius stenosemus) has a range spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Kashmir, including the northern regions of India such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Additionally, it extends into China, particularly in the Tibetan region. This distribution highlights the butterfly’s adaptability to diverse high-altitude environments across multiple countries.
Dusted Apollo Subspecies
Dusted Apollo, scientifically identified as Parnassius stenosemus, boasts several distinct subspecies across its vast range:
- Parnassius stenosemus atkinsoni Moore: Found in Kashmir and India, featuring broader forewing bands and distinctly blue submarginal spots on the hindwing.
- Parnassius stenosemus beate Eisner: Located in Kashmir, this subspecies is prevalent in the Karakoram region and Leh, showcasing unique characteristics.
- Parnassius stenosemus chitralica Verity: Indigenous to Chitral in Pakistan, this subspecies exhibits specific traits within its regional habitat.
- Parnassius stenosemus florenciae Tytler: Thrives in Tibet, particularly in areas like Phupes Hundes, Tibu, and Churmurti, showcasing distinctive features.
- Parnassius stenosemus gracilis Bryk & Eisner: Exclusive to Himachal Pradesh, Kangra, and Rohtang Pass in India, known for its slender and unique characteristics.
- Parnassius stenosemus imitator Bryk & Eisner: Native to the former U.S.S.R., specifically Tadzhikistan and the Pamirs, displaying distinct features in the Beik Pass region.
- Parnassius stenosemus kutnaonensis Riley: Found in India, specifically Uttar Pradesh, Kumaon, and Shillung, this subspecies showcases unique traits.
- Parnassius stenosemus nicevillei Avinoff: Thrives in Kashmir, featuring distinct characteristics in Pir Pinjal, Burzil Pass, Sari Sungur Pass, and Sapta La.
- Parnassius stenosemus parangensis Eisner: Indigenous to India’s Himachal Pradesh, particularly in Parang Pass and Bara Lacha Pass, as well as Kashmir’s Tagalang Pass, Lingti, and Ladakh.
- Parnassius stenosemus riteyi Tytler: Found in Kashmir’s Rupal Valley and Astor regions, this subspecies boasts unique characteristics.
Conservation Status in India
The Dusted Apollo butterfly, recently found in Himachal Pradesh, is rare and needs protection. Experts say there’s a danger of them being poached. In Himachal Pradesh, there are 11 types of Apollo butterflies, and five of them are at risk.
Butterfly enthusiast Lovish Garlani suggests creating awareness in communities about the importance of these butterflies and stopping poaching. He also recommends the government set up butterfly parks and conservation areas. This is crucial to keep these beautiful butterflies safe from harm and preserve the diversity of Apollo butterflies in the region.
10 Key Facts about Dusted Apollo
We have added 10 Key Facts + Additional Key Facts about Dusted Apollo / Parnassius stenosemus:
| 10 Key Facts about Dusted Apollo (Parnassius stenosemus) | |
| Facts | Information |
| Origin | Himalayan regions, spanning from Ladakh to west Nepal |
| First Founded (Scientific Name) | Discovered in 1890; Scientifically named Parnassius stenosemus |
| Size | Medium to large, with wingspans ranging between 5 to 7 centimeters |
| Habitat Altitude | Flies between 3,500 to 4,800 meters in the inner Himalayas |
| Sighting Location | First sighted and photographed in Himachal Pradesh, specifically in Chamba |
| Similar Species | Closely resembles Ladakh Banded Apollo (Parnnasius stoliczkanus) |
| Distinct Characteristics | Complete discal band on the upper forewing; Narrow dark marginal band on hind wings |
| Photographed by | Gajinder Verma and Abinash Thakur, forest guards of Chamba Forest Circle, Himachal Pradesh Forest Department |
| Distribution Range | Extends from Ladakh to west Nepal and parts of China (Tibet) |
| Conservation Status | Extremely rare; Recently discovered and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh |
| Additional 10 Key Facts about Dusted Apollo (Parnassius stenosemus) | |
| Endangerment Concerns | Poaching industry threat due to commercial importance; Urgent need for conservation and protection |
| Butterfly Expert Input | Lovish Garlani, associated with the State Forest Department, provided identification details and conservation insights |
| Commercial Importance | Apollo butterflies, including Dusted Apollo, fetch high prices in the poaching industry |
| Other Rare Species | Regal Apollo (Parnnasius charltonius) also photographed at Manimahesh |
| Legal Protection | Regal Apollo is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |
| Total Apollo Species in Himachal Pradesh | 11 species recorded; 5 declared as Scheduled species |
| Community Awareness | Urgent need for awareness about poaching and the importance of these species |
| Conservation Recommendations | Establishment of butterfly parks and conservation reserves in the State |
| Size Comparison with Ladakh Banded Apollo | Generally smaller than Ladakh Banded Apollo (Parnnasius stoliczkanus) |
| Geographical Range | The Dusted Apollo has a geographical range spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir, northern India (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), and China (Tibet) |
FAQs on Dusted Apollo – Dusted Apollo UPSC Questions
Question-1: What is the Dusted Apollo butterfly?
Answer. The Dusted Apollo (Parnassius stenosemus) is a rare high-altitude butterfly found in the Himalayan region.
Question-2: Where was the Dusted Apollo first discovered?
Answer. It was first sighted and photographed in Himachal Pradesh, specifically in Chamba.
Question-3: When was the species discovered?
Answer. The Dusted Apollo species was initially discovered in 1890.
Question-4: Who photographed the Dusted Apollo in Chamba?
Answer. Gajinder Verma and Abinash Thakur, forest guards of Chamba Forest Circle, captured the first photographs.
Question-5: What is the scientific name of the Dusted Apollo?
Answer. The scientific name is Parnassius stenosemus.
Question-6: How big is the Dusted Apollo butterfly?
Answer. It is medium to large, with wingspans ranging between 5 to 7 centimeters.
Question-7: What distinguishes the Dusted Apollo from other butterflies?
Answer. It closely resembles Ladakh Banded Apollo but has distinctive markings, including a complete discal band on the upper forewing.
Question-8: What altitude does the Dusted Apollo fly at?
Answer. It flies between 3,500 to 4,800 meters in the inner Himalayas.
Question-9: How rare is the Dusted Apollo?
Answer. It is extremely rare and had never been photographed before in Himachal Pradesh.
Question-10: Why is the Dusted Apollo significant?
Answer. Its discovery indicates the flourishing diversity of Apollo butterflies in the Himalayan region.
Question-11: What role did Lovish Garlani play in identifying the Dusted Apollo?
Answer. As a butterfly expert, he confirmed the identification through scientific examinations.
Question-12: Are there other endangered butterfly species in Himachal Pradesh?
Answer. Yes, there are 11 Apollo species in Himachal Pradesh, with five declared as Scheduled species.
Question-13: What legal protection does the Regal Apollo have?
Answer. Regal Apollo is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Question-14: Why are Apollo butterflies considered commercially important?
Answer. They fetch high prices in the poaching industry, posing a threat to their population.
Question-15: How can the declining trend of butterflies in Himachal Pradesh be addressed?
Answer. Lovish Garlani suggests community awareness and establishing butterfly parks and conservation reserves.
Question-16: What distinguishes the Dusted Apollo from Ladakh Banded Apollo in terms of wing bands?
Answer. The discal band on the upper forewing in Dusted Apollo is complete, extending from costa to vein one.
Question-17: How does the Dusted Apollo contribute to biodiversity in the region?
Answer. Its discovery is an encouraging indication of the flourishing diversity of Apollo butterflies in the Himalayan region.
Question-18: What is the geographical range of the Dusted Apollo?
Answer. It ranges from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Kashmir to northern India and China (Tibet).
Question-19: What is the main threat to Apollo butterflies, including the Dusted Apollo?
Answer. Poaching poses a significant threat due to their commercial importance.
Question-20: How can individuals contribute to the conservation of the Dusted Apollo?
Answer. Raising awareness about poaching and the importance of these species, as well as supporting the establishment of butterfly parks and conservation reserves, can make a difference.
3 thoughts on “What is Dusted Apollo? – Complete Details – 10 Key Facts – Top UPSC Questions”
Comments are closed.